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The nobles holding high quarters under the Pharaohs were buried in tombs in
the Valley of the Nobles in Luxor. Most of the nobles whose tombs are
built here belong to the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom era. The spectacular
carvings, relief work and paintings of these tombs in the valley of nobles depict
more scenes from the day to day lives and courtly and family affairs of the
noble. In sharp contrast to these stands out the wall art of the tombs of Pharaohs
in the Valley of the Kings where the themes are mostly philosophical, religious
and metaphysical. The paintings and sketches are exquisite representations of
court fanfare and entertainment, of the 'closed door' politics and the women
centric intrigues of the nobility.
The tombs of the nobles are not nearly half as well preserved as the kings
and have fallen prey to the ravages of time and natural elements such as sand
and winds. The tombs are rather shallow and close to the surface in comparison
to the tombs of the kings. The tombs have a gate and a courtyard leading to
the anteroom. This room was the preparation and prayer from and allowed family
and relatives to leave ritual offerings to the deceased. The tombs of Benia,
Khaemhat, Khonsu, Menna, Nakht, Ramose, Rekhmire, Sennofer and Userhet are among
the favorites with the visitors.
The tomb of Nakht depicts scenes of a funeral feast with women playing on string
instruments and flutes. These pictures enlighten us about the musical instruments
and folk arts of the era. Ramose's tomb is an unfinished one and gives us an
idea of the styles and methods employed to create wall art and relief work.
Sennofer and his wife and Usherhet Hunting Gazelles are excellent pieces of
wall paintings found in these tombs.
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